Water Tower

CHALLENGE

The Marshalltown Water Works owns and operates the water distribution system serving Marshalltown and a large portion of the Central Iowa Water Association (CIWA). In Marshalltown, the system is divided into two elevation zones: high-elevation and low-elevation. The high-elevation zone was the focus of this project, it is served by a booster pumping station.

Storage for the area was provided by a single 300,000 gallon elevated tower. The average daily demand (ADD) in the high-elevation zone is approximately 800,000 gallons per day (GPD). The Iowa DNR recommends that water utilities provide the ADD in “firm storage capacity”.

Demand in the high-elevation zone is developing steadily and CIWA has expressed interest in withdrawing additional water from the Water Works at the high-elevation zone connection. These demands increased the need for more firm storage capacity in the high-elevation zone.

SOLUTION

FOX Engineering performed extensive modeling of the Water Works’ distribution system which evaluated the effects a new tower would have on the existing tower. To optimize storage in both towers, FOX recommended installation of a new 500,000 gallon water tower along with several other improvements to the distribution system.

A facility plan was completed which outlined the water modeling results and recommendations for improvements. The Water Works decided to proceed with the water tower project, and FOX designed and administered the construction for the 500,000 gallon tower.

OUTCOME

Construction of the new water tower in a high-elevation zone created a storage quantity in line with IDNR Standards. The additional tower improves fire-fighting capabilities during emergency fire situations and serves as a welcome landmark to travelers on Highway 30.